western conference

James Harden — the NBA’s league-leading scorer — will lead the Houston Rockets into the playoffs on Sunday as the team begins its quest to win its first championship since 1994. Top-seeded Houston will open the playoffs as heavy favourites against the eighth-ranked Minnesota Timberwolves. Let’s take a look at all the Western Conference playoff series and the betting lines for each matchup. We will also offer our prediction for each first-round series.

Time is running out for the Florida Panthers, who are still within striking distance for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. But the road gets a little tougher with a Saturday matchup against the Boston Bruins. In other action, can the St. Louis Blues create some separation in the Western Conference wild-card playoff race? We break down the best betting lines in our Saturday’s NHL Predictions Parlay — Playoff Race Edition!